Burst-mode receiver

ABSTRACT

Provided is a burst-mode receiver configured to receive an optical signal having a preamble and a data payload, the burst-mode receiver including a first bias resistor coupled between a first voltage supply and a photosensor, a first capacitor coupled between the photosensor and an amplifier, a first common-mode resistor configured to supply a voltage of a common-mode voltage supply to the amplifier, a first bypass switch configured to couple the first capacitor to the common-mode voltage supply while bypassing the first common-mode resistor, and a first data switch configured to couple the first capacitor to the amplifier, and to couple the first capacitor to the common-mode voltage supply through the first common-mode resistor.

FIELD

Aspects of embodiments of the invention relate to the field of opticalswitching and, in particular, to receivers in optical switching systems.

BACKGROUND

Current and next-generation optical networks require ultrahightransmission speeds and fast packet switching to support a growing needfor multimedia applications. Advances in fiber-optic technology (e.g.,erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs), high-speed timemultiplexing/demultiplexing, high density wavelength divisionmultiplexing (WDM) devices, optical tunable filters, etc.) have ledresearchers to envision a future all-optical network that is capable ofsupporting multiple access and services at a very high bit rate.

In such all-optical multi-access networks, any node can use a designatedtime slot to send a packet to some other nodes. One significantdifference between an all-optical multi-access network and aconventional point-to-point link is that the amplitude and phase of thereceived packets in an all-optical multi-access network may be quitedifferent from packet to packet due to different fiber attenuation andthe chromatic dispersion caused by the variation of the transmitters'wavelengths. For example, the amount of amplitude variation between twobursts of data packets can be as high as 10-20 dB.

Some related art receivers are not suitable for burst-mode operationbecause they cannot instantaneously handle the different arrivingpackets with large difference in optical power. It is thereforedesirable to design receivers that can adapt to the variation in opticalpower on a packet-by-packet basis. These types of receivers are commonlyreferred to as burst-mode receivers, which are generally either of thefeedback type or the feedforward type.

The feedback type receiver uses a differential transimpedance amplifierwith a peak detection circuit to form a feedback loop. The peak detectorcircuit determines the instantaneous detection threshold for theincoming optical signal. The preamplifier extracts the signal'samplitude, and is DC-coupled at the output to a differentialpost-amplifier for further amplification. While a feedback loop enablesthe receiver to work more reliably and accurately, feedback loopsincrease the time required to settle to a final value. They alsointroduce additional circuitry which increases power dissipation.

In feedforward type receivers, the received optical signal is firstamplified by a DC-coupled preamplifier and then output to a differentialamplifier and fed forward into a peak detection circuitry to recover theamplitude of received packets. The peak detector determines a properthreshold level that may be set in front of the differential amplifier.At the output of the differential amplifier, the amplitude-recovereddata packet is ready for further processing. As this scheme does notemploy a feedback loop, the circuitry needs to be carefully designed toprevent oscillation in the receiver. This type of design introducescompromises: a fast settling system will, for example, introducebaseline wander that will degrade receiver sensitivity.

The above information disclosed in this Background section is only forenhancement of understanding of the background of the invention, andtherefore this Background section may contain information that does notform the prior art that is already known to a person of ordinary skillin the art.

SUMMARY

Aspects of some embodiments of the invention are directed to ahigh-speed receiver in an optical switching system.

Aspects of some embodiments of the invention are directed to an opticalburst-mode receiver having high dynamic range and fast response time(e.g., fast acquisition speeds) to improve (e.g., increase) detection ofburst data (e.g., short burst data). The burst-mode receiver furtheremploys a simple implementation with relatively few components in orderto improve robustness and network reliability.

According to some embodiments of the invention, there is provided aburst-mode receiver configured to receive an optical signal having apreamble and a data payload, the burst-mode receiver including: a firstbias resistor coupled between a first voltage supply and a photosensor;a first capacitor coupled between the photosensor and an amplifier; afirst common-mode resistor configured to supply a voltage of acommon-mode voltage supply to the amplifier; a first bypass switchconfigured to couple the first capacitor to the common-mode voltagesupply while bypassing the first common-mode resistor; and a first dataswitch configured to couple the first capacitor to the amplifier, and tocouple the first capacitor to the common-mode voltage supply through thefirst common-mode resistor.

In some embodiments, the photosensor is configured to receive theoptical signal and to convert the optical signal to a current signal.

In some embodiments, preceding the preamble of the received opticalsignal, the first bypass switch is configured to couple the firstcapacitor to the common-mode voltage supply while bypassing the firstcommon-mode resistor, and to couple the first capacitor to the amplifierthrough the first common-mode resistor.

In some embodiments, preceding the preamble of the received opticalsignal, the first data switch is configured to deactive to break adirect connection between the first capacitor and the common-modevoltage supply.

In some embodiments, preceding the data payload of the received opticalsignal, the first data switch is configured to couple the firstcapacitor to the amplifier through a path not including the firstcommon-mode resistor, and to the common-mode voltage supply through thefirst common-mode resistor.

In some embodiments, preceding the data payload of the received opticalsignal, the first bypass switch is configured to deactivate to break adirect connection between the first capacitor and the common-modevoltage supply.

In some embodiments, the burst-mode receiver further includes acontroller configured to control activated and deactivated states of thefirst bypass and data switches.

In some embodiments, the preamble precedes the data payload in time, andincludes a balanced plurality of binary high and binary low bits.

In some embodiments, the amplifier is configured to generate an outputvoltage proportional to a current of the photosensor.

In some embodiments, the first bias resistor is configured to convert acurrent from the photosensor to a differential voltage signal.

In some embodiments, the burst-mode receiver further includes: a secondbias resistor coupled between a second voltage supply and thephotosensor; a second capacitor coupled between the photosensor and theamplifier; a second common-mode resistor configured to supply thevoltage of the common-mode voltage supply to the amplifier; a secondbypass switch configured to couple the second capacitor to thecommon-mode voltage supply while bypassing the common-mode resistor; anda second data switch configured to couple the capacitor to theamplifier, and to couple the capacitor to the common-mode voltage supplythrough the common-mode resistor.

In some embodiments, the first bias resistor is coupled between acathode electrode of the photosensor and the first voltage supply, andthe second bias resistor is coupled between an anode electrode of thephotosensor and the second voltage supply.

In some embodiments, the first common-mode resistor couples a firstinput of the amplifier to the common-mode voltage supply, and the secondcommon-mode resistor couples a second input of the amplifier to thecommon-mode voltage supply.

In some embodiments, the first capacitor is coupled between a cathode ofthe photosensor and a first input of the amplifier, the second capacitoris coupled between an anode of the photosensor and a second input of theamplifier.

In some embodiments, the first data switch is coupled between the firstcapacitor and the first input of the amplifier, the second data switchis coupled between the second capacitor and the second input of theamplifier, and the first and second data switches are configured to beconcurrently activated or concurrently deactivated.

In some embodiments, the first bypass switch is coupled between thefirst capacitor and the common-mode voltage supply, the second bypassswitch is coupled between the second capacitor and the common-modevoltage supply, and the first and second bypass switches are configuredto be concurrently activated or concurrently deactivated.

According to some embodiments of the invention, there is provided aburst-mode receiver configured to receive an optical signal having apreamble and a data payload, the burst-mode receiver including: a biasresistor coupled between a first voltage supply and a photosensor; acapacitor coupled between the photosensor and an amplifier; acommon-mode resistor configured to supply a voltage of a common-modevoltage supply to the amplifier; a data switch coupled between thecapacitor and the amplifier; and a bypass switch coupled between thecapacitor and the common-mode voltage supply; and a controllerconfigured to activate the bypass switch, preceding the preamble, tocouple the capacitor to the common-mode voltage supply while bypassingthe common-mode resistor, the controller being further configured toactivate the data switch, preceding the data payload, to couple thecapacitor to the amplifier, and to couple the capacitor to thecommon-mode voltage supply through the common-mode resistor.

In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to deactivatethe data switch, preceding the preamble, to bypass the common-moderesistor to couple the capacitor to the amplifier, and the controller isfurther configured to deactivate the bypass switch, preceding the datapayload, to break a direct connection between the capacitor and thecommon-mode voltage supply.

In some embodiments, the amplifier is configured to generate an outputvoltage signal based on the payload data when the data switch isactivated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, together with the specification, illustrateexemplary embodiments of the invention, and, together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating an optical switchingsystem before and after a switching event, respectively, according tosome exemplary embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an optical receiving module,according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a burst-mode receiver of anoptical receiving module, according to some exemplary embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 4 is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of the burst-modereceiver according to some embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, only certain exemplaryembodiments of the invention are shown and described, by way ofillustration. As those skilled in the art would recognize, the inventionmay be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed asbeing limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Descriptions offeatures or aspects within each exemplary embodiment should typically beconsidered as available for other similar features or aspects in otherexemplary embodiments. Like reference numerals designate like elementsthroughout the specification.

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating an optical switching system100 before a switching event, and FIG. 1B is a schematic diagramillustrating an optical switching system 100 after the switching event,according to some exemplary embodiments of the invention. FIG. 2 is ablock diagram illustrating an optical receiving module 104, according tosome exemplary embodiments of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an optical switching system 100 includes aplurality of optical transmitting modules 102 for transmitting opticalsignals (e.g., amplitude modulated light), a plurality of opticalreceiving modules 104 for receiving the optical signals and convertingthe optical signals to analog or digital signals for processing, and anoptical switch (e.g., a photonic switch) 106 for selectively switchingthe optical signals from one of the plurality of optical transmittingmodules 102 to one of the plurality of optical receiving modules 104.The optical switch 106 may be coupled to the plurality of opticaltransmitting module 102 and the plurality of optical receiving modules104 via optical fibers, open air connection, and/or the like.

According to some embodiments, after a switching event (as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B), an affected optical receiving module 104 quicklyadapts to the new level of incoming optical power, which may besignificantly higher than a dark input state, for example, receivedoptical power from one source may be about 0 dBm and from another it maybe about −10 dBm. In some examples, the variation in optical power maybe 20 dB or higher depending on the data rate of the incoming opticalsignal. As the phase variation between two bursty data packets may be ashigh as, the optical receiving modules 104 may further perform phasealignment on a packet-by-packet basis.

Referring to FIG. 2, the optical receiving module 104 includes aburst-mode receiver 110 for adapting to the amplitude of the receivedsignal (from the light source 108) in a very short period of time, and aburst-clock data recovery (bCDR) circuit 112 for acquiring clockfrequency and phase lock with the incoming optical signal. The totalacquisition time (which is also referred to as “resynchronization time”)is a sum of the time it takes to adapt to a new power level and the timeit takes to re-acquire clock frequency and phase lock. While theexemplary embodiments of FIG. 2 illustrate the burst-mode receiver 110being used in conjunction with the bCDR circuit 112, embodiments of theinvention are not limited thereto. For example, the burst-mode receiver110 may be used without the bCDR circuit 112 in any suitable systemand/or application, as recognized by a person of ordinary skill in theart.

The burst-mode receiver 110, according to some embodiments of theinvention, reduces the total acquisition time by greatly reducing thetime it takes to adapt to the power level of the incoming burst ofoptical signal.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a burst-mode receiver 110 ofan optical receiving module 104, according to some exemplary embodimentsof the invention.

According to some embodiments, the burst-mode receiver 110 includesfirst and second bias resistors R_(B1) and R_(B2), first and secondcapacitors C₁ and C₂, a switching network 302, a controller 304, firstand second common-mode resistors R_(CM1) and R_(CM2), and an amplifier(e.g., a differential amplifier) A_(D). The burst-mode receiver 110 mayfurther include or be coupled to a photosensor (e.g., a photodiode) PDand a controller 304.

The first and second bias resistors R_(B1) and R_(B2) may respectivelycouple the cathode (at node N1) and anode (at node N2) of thephotosensor PD to a first voltage supply (for providing a first supplyvoltage V_(DD)) and a second voltage supply (for providing a secondsupply voltage V_(SS), e.g., ground), thereby providing power to (e.g.,biasing) the photosensor PD, without the need for any active components(such as transistors). The first and second capacitors C₁ and C₂ arecoupled between the anode and cathode of the photosensor PD and theswitching network 302. The first and second common-mode resistorsR_(CM1) and R_(CM2) are coupled between the switching network 302 atnodes N3 and N4 and the inputs of the amplifier A_(D) at nodes N5 andN6, and provide a common mode voltage V_(CM) to the inputs of theamplifier A_(D). In some embodiments, the amplifier A_(D) may be adifferential amplifier having low noise, high input impedance, and highbandwidth. The amplifier A_(D) may include a means of peaking theresponse of the photosensor-resistor network, which may have lessbandwidth than that of the overall circuit of the burst-mode receiver110, in order to improve (e.g., increase) the circuit sensitivity.

According to some embodiments, the switching network 302 includes firstand second bypass switches SW_(B1) and SW_(B2) and first and second dataswitches SW_(D1) and SW_(D2). When activated (e.g., closed or turnedON), the first and second bypass switches SW_(B1) and SW_(B2) couple thefirst and second capacitors C₁ and C₂ to the common mode voltage V_(CM)while bypassing the first and second common-mode resistors R_(CM1) andR_(CM2) (e.g., through a path not including the first and secondcommon-mode resistors R_(CM1) and R_(CM2)). Thus, after the first andsecond bypass switches SW_(B1) and SW_(B2) are deactivated (and, e.g.,the first and second data switches SW_(D1) and SW_(D2) are activated),the first and second capacitors C₁ and C₂ may be charged to the same DCvalue (V_(CM)) as that of the inputs of the amplifier A_(D). The firstand second data switches SW_(D1) and SW_(D2), when activated (e.g.,closed or turned ON), couple (e.g., directly couple) the first andsecond capacitors C₁ and C₂ (and hence the photosensor PD) to the inputsof the amplifier A_(D). In some embodiments, the controller 304 controlsand configures the switching network 302.

For convenience of illustration, henceforth it is assumed that thesecond supply voltage V_(SS) is at ground voltage (i.e., about 0 v).However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto,and the second supply voltage V_(SS) may be at any suitable voltage.

FIG. 4 is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of the burst-modereceiver 110 according to some embodiments of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in some embodiments of the invention, theburst-mode receiver 110 begins signal acquisition by activating, throughthe controller 304, the first and second bypass switches SW_(B1) andSW_(B2) either prior to or at the start of the high frequency DCbalanced preamble (e.g., time t₁), which precedes a data payload of theoptical signal (starting at time t₂). In some embodiments, thecontroller 304 further deactivates the first and second data switchesSW_(D1) and SW_(D2) prior to time t₂. The preamble may include arepeating “101010 . . . ” pattern or any other suitable balancedrepeating pattern. However, embodiments of the present invention are notlimited to a balanced repeating pattern, and any suitable preamblepattern may be used.

According to some embodiments, the controller 304 controls theactivation/deactivation state of the first and second bypass switchesSW_(B1) and SW_(B2) and the first and second data switches SW_(D1) andSW_(D2) via control signals (e.g., digital or analog control signals)CSW_(B) and CSW_(D), respectively. In some examples, a high level of thecontrol signals CSW_(B) and CSW_(D) represents activation (e.g., an ONor closed state) of the corresponding switches, and a low level of thecontrol signals CSW_(B) and CSW_(D) represents deactivation (e.g., anOFF or closed state) of the corresponding switches; however, embodimentsof the invention are not limited thereto.

Prior to the photosensor PD receiving optical power (e.g., from thelight source 108), the photosensor PD may generate substantially zerophotocurrent. Thus, the anode voltage V_(an) of the photosensor (at nodeN2) would have settled to ground voltage, the cathode voltage V_(ca) ofthe photosensor (at node N1) would have settled to V_(DD), and both ofthe input voltages to the amplifier A_(D), V_(P) and V_(N) (at nodes N5and N6, respectively), would have settled to the common-mode voltageV_(CM). The voltage stored at the first capacitor C₁ would beV_(DD)-V_(CM), and the voltage stored at the second capacitor C₂ wouldbe V_(CM).

According to some embodiments of the invention, prior to or during thepreamble, the photosensor PD being illuminated with optical power (e.g.,prior to time t₁), the first and second bypass switches SW_(B1) andSW_(B2) are activated to prepare the burst-mode receiver 110 foracquiring an incoming burst of optical power.

When the photosensor PD is illuminated with optical power, aphotocurrent I_(PD) is generated, flowing through the photosensor PD andthe first and second bias resistors R_(B1) and R_(B2), and generatingvoltages V_(ca) and V_(an) at nodes N1 and N2, respectively. I_(PD)includes a DC current I_(PD)(dc) related to the average optical powerand a modulated current I_(PD)(ac) proportional to the opticalmodulation amplitude. As a result, both V_(ca) and V_(an) include DC andAC components that are proportional to those of I_(PD).

The voltages V_(ca) and V_(an) may settle to their respective settledvalues within several time constants (e.g., 2.2-8 time constants forapproximate settling to within about 80% to about 0.1% of final value,respectively) of T. The settled values of the voltages V_(ca) and V_(an)as well as the time constant τ may be approximated through the followingEquations:

V _(ca) =V _(DD) −R _(B1) ×I _(PD)(dc)  Equation (1)

V _(an) =R _(B2) ×I _(PD)(dc)  Equation (2)

τ=(R _(B1) +R _(B2))×[C _(PD)+(C ₁ ×C ₂)/(C+C ₂)]  Equation (3)

where C_(PD) represents the reverse biased capacitance of thephotosensor PD, which is, in some embodiments, significantly smallerthan the capacitances C₁ and C₂.

In an example in which the resistances of the first and second biasresistors R_(B1) and R_(B2) are the same or substantially the same andthe capacitances of the first and second capacitors C₁ and C₂ are alsothe same or substantially the same, and in which the value of C_(PD) is,for example, about 1% of the value of C₁, the time constant τ may beapproximated as

τ=R _(B1) ×C ₁  Equation (4)

As expressed in Equations 3 and 4, the resistances of the first andsecond common-mode resistors R_(CM1) and R_(CM2), which, in someembodiments, are significantly larger than the resistances of the firstand second bias resistors R_(B1) and R_(B2), do not meaningfully affectthe settling time of the voltages V_(ca) and V_(an). This is due to thefact that as the first and second bypass switches SW_(B1) and SW_(B2)are activated at the start of the preamble (time t₁), the first andsecond capacitors C₁ and C₂ AC couple, or pass the high frequencycomponent (e.g., high frequency modulation content, while substantiallyblocking DC components) of, the electrical signal generated at thephotosensor (e.g., voltages V_(ca) and V_(an)) straight to thecommon-mode voltage supply without passing through (i.e., bypassing) thefirst and second common-mode resistors R_(CM1) and R_(CM2).

As described, after several time constants (e.g., N time constants,where N is a positive integer) have elapsed, settling will have occurredsuch that the DC voltage across both first and second capacitors C₁ andC₂ may no longer be changing, and the voltages V_(ca) and V_(an) maysettle to the values expressed in Equations 1 and 2. In someembodiments, the first and second bias resistors R_(B1) and R_(B2) areselected such that the settling times N×τ₁ and N×τ₂ are shorter than theduration of the preamble. Thus, according to embodiments of theinvention, the voltages V_(ca) and V_(an) generated by the photosensorPD, and hence, the amplifier input voltages V_(P) and V_(N) settle priorto the start of the data payload of the optical signal.

After the burst-mode receiver 110 has settled (e.g., a time ΔT aftertime t₁ or later) and prior to the start of the data payload, thecontroller 304 deactivates the first and second bypass switches SW_(B1)and SW_(B2), and, simultaneously or thereafter, activates the first andsecond data switches SW_(D1) and SW_(D2). In some examples, simultaneousswitching may be adequate if switching is very fast and if parasiticcapacitances of said switches are small compared to the first and secondcapacitors C₁ and C₂. According to some embodiments, the controller 304activates the first and second data switches SW_(D1) and SW_(D2) priorto the start of the data payload (i.e., time t₂).

After the switching of the switching network 302, the first capacitor C₁remains charged to voltage V_(DD)-V_(CM), and the second capacitor C₂remains charged at V_(CM), hence, the amplifier input voltages V_(P) andV_(N) do not change and remain at V_(CM). Further, as the DC value ofvoltages V_(P) and V_(N) are the same or substantially the same, thecommon mode voltage of the amplifier A_(D) remains unchanged, and any DCstabilizing circuitry within the amplifier A_(D) may be unaffected bythe burst of incoming optical signal. Thus, when receiving the datapayload of the optical signal, the amplifier A_(D) of the burst-modereceiver 110 is biased optimally for gain, bandwidth, and low duty cycledistortion.

The modulated current I_(PD)(ac) generates voltages V_(ac)(ac) andV_(an)(ac), at noted N1 and N2, which may be expressed as:

V _(ca)(ac)−R _(B2) ×I _(PD)(ac)  Equation (5)

V _(an)(ac)=R _(B2) ×I _(PD)(ac)  Equation (6)

The first and second capacitors C₁ and C₂ AC couple voltages V_(ca)(ac)and V_(an)(ac) through the switching network 302 to the inputs of theamplifier A_(D) as voltages V_(P) and V_(N), at nodes N5 and N6,respectively. As the voltages V_(ca)(ac) and V_(an)(ac) of Equations 5and 6 are out of phase by 180 degrees, they add constructively at theinput of the amplifier A_(D) due to the sign difference of the twovoltages. Therefore, the differential voltage at the input of theamplifier A_(D) (i.e., V_(P)-V_(N)) will be (R_(B2)+R_(B2))×I_(PD)(ac).The amplifier A_(D) then amplifies the differential voltage at its inputto generate an output voltage V_(O), which is supplied to othercircuitry (e.g., the post processor 114) for further data processing.The common-mode voltage V_(CM) maintains the DC component of V_(P) andV_(N) within the acceptable common mode voltage range of the amplifierA_(D). Baseline wander may be kept small by making the time constantsR_(CM1)×C₁ and R_(CM2)×C₂ large relative to the elapsed time ofconsecutive identical bits within the data packet.

In some embodiments, the resistances R_(CM1) and R_(CM2) are muchgreater than R_(B1) and R_(B2) so that the first and second common-moderesistors R_(CM1) and R_(CM2) do not attenuate the voltagesubstantially, or substantially affect the time constants and settlingdescribed herein.

According to some embodiments, the common-mode voltage V_(CM) is chosensuch that the amplifier A_(D) functions with zero or very small DCoffset between inputs at nodes N5 and N6, and is biased in the region ofhigh (e.g., maximum) gain (e.g., around its optimum common modevoltage). This may prevent or substantially prevent duty cycledistortion, which may otherwise result if the input DC offset isnon-zero.

In some embodiments, the resistances of the first and second biasresistors R_(B1) and R_(B2) and the first and second common-moderesistors R_(CM1) and R_(CM2) are chosen such that the input biascurrent of the amplifier A_(D) into nodes N5 and N6 times thecorresponding resistances R_(CM1) and R_(CM2) is small compared to thevoltages R_(B1)×I_(PD)(dc) and R_(B1)×I_(PD)(dc).

Prior to the first and second data switches SW_(D1) and SW_(D2) beingclosed (e.g., prior to time t₂), no data can may be passed through theamplifier A_(D). Prior to this time, if any data were to be transmittedit will be lost. In some embodiments, to speed the settling describedabove, a preamble consisting of a repeating 1010 pattern may betransmitted. The duration of the preamble is adjusted to be long enoughto allow the settling to occur. In an example in which there is a timingskew between the controller 304 and the remainder of the burst-modereceiver circuit, the preamble is lengthened to account for the skew toensure that adequate settling is guaranteed. Precision timing methodsmay be used to reduce this skew to near zero.

In some examples, the burst-mode receiver 110 may be used at a data rateof about 25.78 Gbps. In such cases, component values may be: C_(PD)<50fF, R_(B1)=R_(B2)=100, C₁=C₂=1 pF, R_(CM1)=R_(CM2)=100 kΩ, andV_(DD)=1.5 V. Choosing higher values of R_(B1) or R_(B2) may improve(e.g., increase) sensitivity but also lengthen the settling time τ ofEquations 3 and 4. Similarly, larger values of C₁ or C₂ may increase thesettling time τ. Too small a value for these capacitors may result inattenuation relative to the input capacitance of the amplifier A_(D), ormay result in baseline wander if the value C₁×R_(CM1) or C₁×R_(CM2) istoo small. Thus, in some examples, the capacitances of the first andsecond capacitors C₁ and C₂ are selected to be much larger than theinput capacitance of the amplifier A_(D). Following Equation 3, for suchexemplary values, the time required for settling sufficient to avoidduty cycle distortion is about (100Ω+100Ω)×(50 fF+0.5 pF)×8=880 ps.Here, the factor 8 is chosen as a multiplier N because after 8 timeconstants settling to within about 0.1% of final value will haveoccurred. This may be sufficiently accurate for a circuit of this type.The exemplary values provided here are for illustrative purposes only,and embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

The burst-mode receiver 110, according to some embodiments, is capableof operating at very low and very high optical input power. For example,at 25.78 Gbps or similar data rates, low input power may be consideredto be about −12 dBm to about −15 dBm, photosensor PD responsivity may beabout 0.5 to about 1.0 for a PIN diode, and high input power may beconsidered to be about +3 dBm to about +5 dBm. However, embodiments ofthe present invention may operate at wider ranges.

Thus, as described herein, the burst-mode receiver 110, according toembodiments of the invention, may be able to achieve acquisition timesthat may be an order of magnitude (or more) improvement over related artfeedback or feedback type receivers. Further, as relatively few elementsare used in a simple circuit, which does not employ a pre-amplifier or afeedback loop, performance parameters such as receiver sensitivity,allowable signal dynamic range, power dissipation, robustness,reliability, and overall cost are greatly improved over existingsolutions.

In some embodiments, after receiving the entirety of the data payload,the controller 304 deactivates the first and second bypass switchesSW_(B1) and SW_(B2) and activates the first and second data switchesSW_(D1) and SW_(D2).

According to some embodiments, the burst-mode receiver 110 may besymmetrical; that is, the value of the bias resistors R_(B1) and R_(B2)may be the same, the value of the capacitors C₁ and C₂ may be the same,and the value of the common-mode resistors R_(CM1) and R_(CM2) may bethe same. However, embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto,and said values may be different from one another.

In some embodiments, the bypass switches SW_(B1) and SW_(B2) and thedata switches SW_(D1) and SW_(D2) are implemented using transistors,e.g., PMOS and/or NMOS transistors. However, embodiments of theinvention are not limited thereto and said switches may be implementedin any other suitable manner.

In some examples, the photosensor PD may be integrated with thecircuitry of the burst-mode receiver 110. In other examples, thephotosensor PD may be an element external to the circuitry of theburst-mode receiver 110, and be electrically coupled to it viacorresponding pinouts of the burst-mode receiver 110.

The burst-mode receiver, and/or any other relevant devices or componentsaccording to embodiments of the invention described herein, may beimplemented utilizing any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., anapplication-specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate arrays,and/or the like), software, or a suitable combination of software,firmware, and hardware. For example, the various components of theburst-mode receiver may be formed on one integrated circuit (IC) chip oron separate IC chips. Further, the various components of each of theburst-mode receiver may be implemented on a flexible printed circuitfilm, a tape carrier package (TCP), a printed circuit board (PCB), orformed on a same substrate.

While one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention have beendescribed with reference to the figures, it will be understood by thoseof ordinary skill in the art that various suitable changes in form anddetails may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention as defined by the following claims, and equivalentsthereof.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first”, “second”,“third”, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements,components, regions, layers, and/or sections, these elements,components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited bythese terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component,region, layer, or section from another element, component, region,layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, orsection discussed below could be termed a second element, component,region, layer, or section, without departing from the spirit and scopeof the inventive concept.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the inventive concept.As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “an” are intended to includethe plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “include,”“including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in thisspecification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein,the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more ofthe associated listed items. Further, the use of “may” when describingembodiments of the inventive concept refers to “one or more embodimentsof the inventive concept.” Also, the term “exemplary” is intended torefer to an example or illustration.

It will be understood that when an element, component, or layer isreferred to as being “connected to” or “coupled to” another element,component, or layer, it can be directly connected to or coupled to theother element, component, or layer, or one or more intervening elements,components, or layers may be present. When an element or layer isreferred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to” or “directlycoupled to” another element, component, or layer, there are nointervening elements, component, or layers present.

As used herein, the term “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms areused as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and areintended to account for the inherent variations in measured orcalculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill inthe art.

As used herein, the terms “use,” “using,” and “used” may be consideredsynonymous with the terms “utilize,” “utilizing,” and “utilized,”respectively.

1. A burst-mode receiver configured to receive an optical signal havinga preamble and a data payload, the burst-mode receiver comprising: afirst bias resistor coupled between a first voltage supply and aphotosensor; a first capacitor coupled between the photosensor and anamplifier; a first common-mode resistor configured to supply a voltageof a common-mode voltage supply to the amplifier; a first bypass switchconfigured to couple the first capacitor to the common-mode voltagesupply while bypassing the first common-mode resistor; and a first dataswitch configured to couple the first capacitor to the amplifier, and tocouple the first capacitor to the common-mode voltage supply through thefirst common-mode resistor.
 2. The burst-mode receiver of claim 1,wherein the photosensor is configured to receive the optical signal andto convert the optical signal to a current signal.
 3. The burst-modereceiver of claim 2, wherein, preceding the preamble of the receivedoptical signal, the first bypass switch is configured to couple thefirst capacitor to the common-mode voltage supply while bypassing thefirst common-mode resistor, and to couple the first capacitor to theamplifier through the first common-mode resistor.
 4. The burst-modereceiver of claim 2, wherein, preceding the preamble of the receivedoptical signal, the first data switch is configured to deactive to breaka direct connection between the first capacitor and the common-modevoltage supply.
 5. The burst-mode receiver of claim 2, wherein,preceding the data payload of the received optical signal, the firstdata switch is configured to couple the first capacitor to the amplifierthrough a path not comprising the first common-mode resistor, and to thecommon-mode voltage supply through the first common-mode resistor. 6.The burst-mode receiver of claim 2, wherein, preceding the data payloadof the received optical signal, the first bypass switch is configured todeactivate to break a direct connection between the first capacitor andthe common-mode voltage supply.
 7. The burst-mode receiver of claim 1,further comprising a controller configured to control activated anddeactivated states of the first bypass and data switches.
 8. Theburst-mode receiver of claim 1, wherein the preamble precedes the datapayload in time, and comprises a balanced plurality of binary high andbinary low bits.
 9. The burst-mode receiver of claim 1, wherein theamplifier is configured to generate an output voltage proportional to acurrent of the photosensor.
 10. The burst-mode receiver of claim 1,wherein the first bias resistor is configured to convert a current fromthe photosensor to a differential voltage signal.
 11. The burst-modereceiver of claim 1, further comprising: a second bias resistor coupledbetween a second voltage supply and the photosensor; a second capacitorcoupled between the photosensor and the amplifier; a second common-moderesistor configured to supply the voltage of the common-mode voltagesupply to the amplifier; a second bypass switch configured to couple thesecond capacitor to the common-mode voltage supply while bypassing thecommon-mode resistor; and a second data switch configured to couple thecapacitor to the amplifier, and to couple the capacitor to thecommon-mode voltage supply through the common-mode resistor.
 12. Theburst-mode receiver of claim 11, wherein the first bias resistor iscoupled between a cathode electrode of the photosensor and the firstvoltage supply, and the second bias resistor is coupled between an anodeelectrode of the photosensor and the second voltage supply.
 13. Theburst-mode receiver of claim 11, wherein the first common-mode resistorcouples a first input of the amplifier to the common-mode voltagesupply, and the second common-mode resistor couples a second input ofthe amplifier to the common-mode voltage supply.
 14. The burst-modereceiver of claim 11, wherein the first capacitor is coupled between acathode of the photosensor and a first input of the amplifier, thesecond capacitor is coupled between an anode of the photosensor and asecond input of the amplifier.
 15. The burst-mode receiver of claim 14,wherein the first data switch is coupled between the first capacitor andthe first input of the amplifier, the second data switch is coupledbetween the second capacitor and the second input of the amplifier, andthe first and second data switches are configured to be concurrentlyactivated or concurrently deactivated.
 16. The burst-mode receiver ofclaim 11, wherein the first bypass switch is coupled between the firstcapacitor and the common-mode voltage supply, the second bypass switchis coupled between the second capacitor and the common-mode voltagesupply, and the first and second bypass switches are configured to beconcurrently activated or concurrently deactivated.
 17. A burst-modereceiver configured to receive an optical signal having a preamble and adata payload, the burst-mode receiver comprising: a bias resistorcoupled between a first voltage supply and a photosensor; a capacitorcoupled between the photosensor and an amplifier; a common-mode resistorconfigured to supply a voltage of a common-mode voltage supply to theamplifier; a data switch coupled between the capacitor and theamplifier; and a bypass switch coupled between the capacitor and thecommon-mode voltage supply; and a controller configured to activate thebypass switch, preceding the preamble, to couple the capacitor to thecommon-mode voltage supply while bypassing the common-mode resistor, thecontroller being further configured to activate the data switch,preceding the data payload, to couple the capacitor to the amplifier,and to couple the capacitor to the common-mode voltage supply throughthe common-mode resistor.
 18. The burst-mode receiver of claim 17,wherein the controller is further configured to deactivate the dataswitch, preceding the preamble, to bypass the common-mode resistor tocouple the capacitor to the amplifier, and wherein the controller isfurther configured to deactivate the bypass switch, preceding the datapayload, to break a direct connection between the capacitor and thecommon-mode voltage supply.
 19. The burst-mode receiver of claim 17,wherein the amplifier is configured to generate an output voltage signalbased on the payload data when the data switch is activated.